Tornado Impact and Classification

In 1999, a powerful storm system developed near Oklahoma City, monitored by storm scientist Josh Wurman. The storm, a supercell, produced 14 tornadoes, including the devastating tornado A9. This tornado reached wind speeds over 300 mph, causing significant destruction in Bridge Creek and Moore. The National Weather Service issued a rare tornado emergency as the storm threatened South Oklahoma City. The tornado ultimately destroyed over 4,000 homes and claimed 36 lives, leaving a 38-mile path of destruction.

Who was monitoring the weather during the 1999 storm season in Oklahoma City?

• A storm scientist named Josh Wurman

• A local news reporter

• A meteorologist from the National Weather Service

• A volunteer storm chaser

What type of storm was Storm A classified as?

• A cyclone

• A supercell

• A hurricane

• A tropical storm

How many tornadoes did Storm A initially spawn?

• 14

• 10

• 20

• 5

What was the classification of the eighth tornado on the Fujita scale?

• F3

• F2

• F1

• F0

What was the wind speed of the ninth tornado when it touched down?

• Over 200 miles an hour

• Over 100 miles an hour

• Over 300 miles an hour

• Over 400 miles an hour

What unprecedented action did the National Weather Service take during the storm?

• Evacuated the city

• Declared a state of emergency

• Issued a tornado emergency

• Issued a hurricane warning

Which town did the ninth tornado head towards after forming?

• Norman

• Moore

• Tulsa

• Edmond

How many homes were destroyed by the tornado in Bridge Creek?

• 100

• 300

• 400

• 200

What was the total length of the path of destruction caused by the tornado?

• 38 miles

• 50 miles

• 30 miles

• 20 miles

How many lives were claimed by the tornado?

• 26

• 56

• 36

• 46